Upload
trandiep
View
217
Download
3
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
THE OUTSOURCING OF LOGISTICAL ACTIVITIES: THE CASE OF GUINNESS GHANA BREWERIES LIMITED
BY: CEPHAS THYWILL KOMLA DZOGBEWU
SUPERVISOR: EVA WITTBOM
MASTER’S THESIS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, MBA PROGRAMME
MAY 2010
i
ABSTRACT
The study has revealed that Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited has been outsourcing it logistics
activities more than four years. The rationale behind the outsourcing activities is to cut down cost
and enjoy first class service from specialist using the most suitable, quick and reliable
technology. The company has actually increased its revenue margin consistently for the past four
years and has enjoyed other benefits like: timely delivery and overall quality improvement.
Its logistics service providers have also enjoyed benefits like: consistent profit growth rate,
transformation of superiority into competitive pricing through economics of scale, improvements
of staff skills through efficient training and continuous exposure to new technologies and best
practices in the industry. The main problem encountered by the logistics service providers is that
they are not been paid on time. It also came to light that Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited have
build a very good business relationship with its service providers which have enable it to
maintain good logistics service providers and switch to a new one if the need arise.
It was discovered that outsourcing logistics activities which is a contractual service has become
relatively stable in the developed countries while it is a rapidly growing and emerging in
developing countries like Ghana. It was noted that the most obvious reason behind outsourcing
logistics activities is to provide very effective means of reducing costs, better services,
improving operating efficiency, flexibility and getting access to new suitable technologies easily
at a lower cost. Outsourcing, therefore, has increasingly becomes an important strategy that can
significantly assist organizations to leverage their skills and resources to achieve greater
competitiveness. However, there are risks of becoming over dependent on service providers.
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I thank the almighty God for making this thesis a success. For His profound love and guidance
are insatiable. Thank you Lord.
I would like to give special thanks to my thesis supervisor, EVA WITTBOM, who offered
tireless guidance and contribution throughout this work.
My heartfelt acknowledgement is made to the ten key personnel at Guinness Ghana Breweries
Limited for permitting me to use their organization for my studies and giving me relevant
information for my work. I also thank all the logistics service providers for willing filling all the
questionnaires and giving me every necessary data for the work.
I am indebted to those who have given their invaluable assistance and suggestions in the
development of this thesis, especially Mr. Edem Donkor a PhD. student in the Department of
Physics, KNUST- Kumasi, Ghana.
Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for their support and encouragement through the studies.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE i
ABSTRACT ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iv-vii
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES vii
CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1-5
1.1 General introduction 1-2 1.2 Background of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited 3
1.3 Objective of the study 3
1.4 Justification of the study 4
1.5 Scope of work and methodology 4
1.6 Organization of the study 5 CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW 6-18
2.1 Definition and Explanation of Outsourcing 6-7
2.2 Definition and Explanation of Logistics 7-8
2.3 Outsourcing Logistics Activates 8-10
2.4 Advantages of Outsourcing Logistics Activities 10-11
iv
2.5 Disadvantages of Outsourcing Logistics Activities 11-12
2.6 Criteria for selecting 3PL provider 12-13
2.7 Criteria for Outsourcing Logistic Activities 13-16
2.8 Managing Outsourcing Logistics Activities 16-17
2.9 Managing Service Provider (3PL) Relationship 17-18
CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY 19-27
3.1 Introduction 19
3.2 Limitation of the study 19
3.3 The background of the case study organization and its relevant 19-20
3.4 Data Collection 20
3.4.1 Primary Data 20-21
3.4.2 Secondary Data 21
3.5 Study Population 21-22
3.6 Sampling Technique 22
3.7 Sampling Method 23-24
3.8 Data Analysis 24-25
v
CHAPTER FOUR RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 28-39
4.1 Introduction 28
4.2 Results and Discussions of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited 28
4.2.1 Number of years working with GGBL 29-31
4.2.2 Type of logistics service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL companies 31-32
4.2.3 Type of relationship between GGBL and its 3PL companies 32-34
4.2.4 Rating the quality of service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL providers 34-36
4.3 Results and Discussion of 3PL providers of GGBL 36
4.3.1 Outsourcing of logistics activities for GGBL 37
4.3.2 The rationales behind the 3PL companies service providing 38-39
CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 40-42
5.1 Introduction 40
5.2 Summary 40
5.3 Conclusions 40
5.3.1 Benefits of Outsourcing 40-41
5.3.2 Challenges associated with providing logistics service 41
5.3.3 The rationales behind outsourcing logistics service 41
5.4 Recommendations 42
vi
REFERENCES 43-47 APPENDICES 48-57 APPENDIX A - Questionnaires 48-55 APPENDIX B - Tables and Figures 56-57
LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1 Responses from the respondents 25-27
Table 4.1 Number of years the ten key personnel have work with GGBL 29
Table 4.2 Logistics activities outsourced by GGBL 30
Table 4.3 Measurement of logistics service rendered to GGBL 35-36
LIST OF FIGURES
Fig. 2.1 What are core and non-core activities? , Quinn (1999) 15
Fig.4.1 The type of logistics service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL providers in percentage 32
Fig.4.2 Handling of complains by 3PL providers of GGBL 33
Fig.4.3 Rating of Quality of service rendered to GGBL 35
Fig. 4.4 Rational behind the providing of logistics service by 3PL providers to GGBL 38
vii
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General introduction
The intensified competition in the emerging global economy has cause manufacturing and
retailing industries to outsource their logistics functions to third party companies. Outsourcing
logistic activities is an arrangement whereby a firm asked another firm (logistic service provider
also known us third party logistic (3PL) company) to perform its non- core activities such as
packaging, transportation, shipping, warehousing, distribution, inventory keeping, final assembly
of a product, research, information service etc.
Because of the globalization of outsourcing, distribution companies in recent years have been
adopting the logistics management approach to guide their business operations. The adoption of
logistics concepts has increasingly enabled many companies to focus on their core business and
outsource their transport and other logistics activities. The outsourcing of logistics activities to
partners, known as ‘third party logistics (3PL) providers’, has increasingly become a powerful
alternation to the traditional, vertical integrated firm. A growth in the number of outsourcing
partnerships has contributed to the development of more flexible organizations, based on core
competences and mutually beneficial longer-term relationships (Rabinovic et al., 1999).
Recent times have witnessed a heightened global interest in outsourcing of logistics functions.
Outsourcing has increasingly become an important strategy that can significantly assist
organizations to leverage their skills and resources to achieve greater competiveness. It is
therefore, a fast growing aspect of the world economy (Quinn et al., 1994).
1
Logistics has been an important part of every economy and every business entity. Average
logistics cost 12% of the world Growth Domestic Productivity (GDP). The world wide trend in
globalization has led many companies to outsource their logistics activities to Third Party
Logistics companies and focus on their core competence. In the annual report of the council of
logistics Management’s (CLM) 2003 of which 400 representatives from North America, Western
Europe and Asia Pacific were interviewed by Cap Gemini Ernest and Young US LLC, Georgia
Tech and FedEx, it was concluded that outsourcing logistics remains a growing business
globally. On a smaller scale Bhatnagar et al. (1999), reported that, the need for logistics
outsourcing is also increasing in U.S and other parts of the world. Another survey concluded by
Lieb et al. (2004), reveals that 83% of manufactures used the third party logistics services.
Driven by globalization and rapid advancement in information technology, organizations strive
to improved competiveness and responsiveness to customers and market demands. .
The extent of usage of 3PL activities depend on a number of factors or business process, such as
geographical coverage, nature of length of contract, percentage of total logistics budget allocated
to 3PL companies and the level of commitment.
Formally most organizations were undertaking all functions by themselves. That is each
organization had a separate department for outsourcing, finance, marketing, production etc.
Today these organizations are looking to 3PL companies to help them in areas where they are not
able to generate world – class quality. Total quality management demands that organizations
compare each function against the best in the world (Lambert et al., 1999).
2
1.3 Objective of the study
The general objective of the studies is to investigate how decisions are made regarding
outsourcing of logistical activities in most effective and efficient way.
The specific objectives are:
1. To identify the rationale(s) behind the outsourcing decisions of the outsourcing company.
2. To identify the mechanism used to manage the outsourcing of the logistic activities by the
outsourcing company.
3. To identity the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing logistic activities on the
outsourcing company.
4. To identify the challenges associated with outsourcing logistic activities by outsourcing
company.
1.4 Justification of the study
Motivated by the rapid increase in outsourcing logistics activity in my country Ghana and other
parts of the world, my research seeks to find out, the rationales behind outsourcing of logistics
activities.
Outsourcing is a viable business strategy because turning non-core functions over to external
suppliers enables companies to leverage their resources, spread risks, and concentrate on issues
critical to survival and future growth. Many firms have turned to logistics outsourcing as a way
to restructure their distribution networks and gain competitive advantage. But outsourcing
decisions should be made with perfect understanding of the mechanisms, procedures and
parameters behind the rationales which called for such decision for achieving of the
organizational goal (Lieb, 1992, Sink et al., 1997).
3
But not much research has been conducted on the rationales behind outsourcing of logistics
activities on Ghanaian market. It is worth conducting scientific research in to the subject matter
for effective and efficient understanding of the parameters which called for an outsourcing
decision to be made by a company. If the rationales behind outsourcing decision making are
perfectly understood it will help Ghanaian companies to make quality decision and improve
upon their services deliveries. The academia can also use it as a reference material for
subsequent research work.
1.5 Scope of work and methodology
The study will be limited to the management of outsourcing logistic activities at GGBL. Based
on the outlined objectives, questionnaires and interviews would be the main instrument for data
collection. The data or information obtained from the questionnaires and interviews as well as
secondary sources like articles from the internet, journals and books would be used in the
development of the study. Statistical tools like Microsoft Excel would be used for data analysis.
1.6 Organization of the study
The study would be organized into five main chapters, which are summarized below:
The first chapter would focus on the introduction of the study and gives a background of the
study, problem statement, objectives, justification, scope and background of GGBL.
The second chapter would deals with literature that is related to the topic. It involved definition
of outsourcing, logistics and outsourcing logistics activities, advantages and disadvantages of
outsourcing logistics activities, criteria for outsourcing logistics management, managing
4
outsourcing logistics activities, managing service provider 3PL relationship in outsourcing
logistics activities etc.
Chapter three would cover the methodology of the study, concept of the study and the conceptual
model, which explores the relationship between GGBL and their 3PL companies. The chapter
also would involve the instruments that will be used to collect data from GGBL as well as the
secondary data source including how GGBL outsource its logistic activities will all be presented
here.
Chapter four would concentrate on the data that has been analyzed, organized and illustrated
with the use of appropriate tables and figures. Here, the results of the data analysis would be
discussed in the context of the study objectives.
The last chapter embodies summary of findings, conclusion of the study and recommendations.
5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Definition and Explanation of Outsourcing
Outsourcing is the subcontracting of a company non- core function such as product design of
manufacturing company to a third-party company. It is the activity that involved mainly two
parties. The clients company who outsource logistics activities and the outsourcing service
provider who performed the outsource activities. The decision to outsource is often made in the
interest of lowering a firms cost and conserving energy directed towards the core functions of
the firm , in order to make more efficient use of labor, capital , technology and resources
(Vallespir et al., 2001, Quinn et al., 1994).
Since the early 1990s, the worldwide practices of outsourcing logistic activities have been
increasing, resulting in an annual 10% increase (Sohail et al.; 2003). According to “Cap
Gemini Ernst & Young” survey (2002), the rates of resorting to logistic suppliers have reached
94% in Europe, 78% in North America and 92% in Pacific Asia.
According to Harrison et al. (2002), the importance of outsourcing becomes particularly evident
when companies look critically at their internal structure and resources. Outsourcing provides
companies with greater capacity for flexibility especially in the purchase of rapidly developing
new technologies. By outsourcing logistics activities, firms can save on capital investment, and
thus reduce financial risks. Investment on logistics assets, such as physical distribution centers or
information networks, usually needs large lump sum of money, which involved high financial
risk.
6
Outsourcing is a viable business strategy because turning non-core functions over to external
suppliers enables companies to leverage their resources, spread risks, and concentrate on issues
critical to survival and further growth. Many companies turned to outsource logistics activities as
a way of restructuring their distribution networks and gain competitive advantage
(Sink et al., 1997).
According to Babu (2005), outsourcing provides certain power that is not available within an
organization’s internal departments. This power may have many dimensions such as; economic
of scale, process expertise, access to capital and access to expensive technology.
2.2 Definition and Explanation of Logistics
According to Council of Supply Chain Professionals formally known as Council of Logistics
Management (2003), logistic, is the process of planning, implementing, controlling the efficient
and effective flow, storage of goods, services and related information from the point of origin for
the purpose of conforming to customer’s requirements.
It is also defined as part of supply chain that plans , implements , controls the efficient and
effective forward and reverse flow , storage of goods , services and related information between
the points of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet customer’s requirement
(Vitasek, 2007).
Scott and Westbrook (1991), described supply chain management as a chain linking each
element of the manufacturing and supply process from raw materials through to the end user,
encompassing several organizational boundaries and treating all organizations within the value
chain as a unified virtual business entity.
7
Panayides et al. (2007), emphasized that, logistics is a functional system which is crucial for
improving efficiency, both in the flow of goods and information and to meet low-cost, fast, and
reliable delivery objectives within a company and throughout a network of companies. Logistics
significantly contributes to company’s competitive advantage in both efficiency and
effectiveness. Logistics activities and processes are fundamental elements that a company’s
supply chain capabilities and competences are based upon. The close relationship between
logistics and customer service, and its effect on a firm’s competitiveness dictate that companies
handle their logistics function prudently so as to achieve its full potential as a source of
competitive advantage.
2.3 Outsourcing Logistics Activities
Outsourcing logistics activities involved the use of third-party logistics providers for all or part
of organizations logistics operations. The phenomenon describes an activity carried out by a
logistic service provider for its clients (Vallespir et al., 2001).
According to Lambert et al. (1999), outsourcing logistics activities has increasingly become an
effective way to reduce costs and spread risks for traditional vertically integrated firms.
Some of the potential economics advantage of outsourcing logistics activities according to
Persson et al. (2001), are the elimination of infrastructure investments, access to world class
process, products services, technology, improved ability to react quickly to changes in business
environments, risk sharing, better cash flow, reducing operation costs, exchanging fixed costs
with variable costs, access to resources not available in the organization.
8
The main reason why firms outsource their logistics activities to third-party logistics providers is
to reduce costs (Mercer Management Consulting, 2002). Today, third-party logistics is a key
component of logistics management strategy in many industries (Gooley, 2002).
According to Goldsmith (1989), public warehousing is the oldest form of outsourcing in
logistics. Later, Richardson (1992), added marketing, packaging, transportation, distribution,
import and export to this list. This is justifiable since third parties do have some role in
determining where goods are stored, how they are packaged for shipment, and in choosing the
best mode for transporting them to the customer (Hill, 1994). Since the third-party providers are
also increasingly being utilized for value-added activities such as assembly and quality control
(Fawcett et al., 1993), the list is however expanding. Some companies sell software and
consulting services that help their customers develop their own efficient transportation networks.
Others handle chores such as paying bills and tracking costs of transportation for their customers.
Many third-party logistics companies have been found to offer services such as logistics
information systems, shipment consolidation, warehouse management/operation, carrier
selection, rate negotiations, fleet management/operations, product returns, order fulfillment,
customer spare parts, vendor selection and purchasing (Lieb et al., 1996).
Muller (1993), appears to be the first to propose two basic types of logistics outsourcing service
providers, i.e., operations-based and information-based third-party logistics vendors. Later, he
himself modified this classification scheme by suggesting the following four types of vendors:
9
Asset-based vendors. Companies which offer dedicated physical logistics services
primarily through the use of their own assets, typically a truck fleet or group of
warehouses or both.
Management-based vendors. Involved in offering logistics management services through
systems databases and consulting services, often acting as a subcontracted traffic
department, either for part, or all, of a client’s business segments. These firms do not own
transportation or warehouse assets.
Integrated vendors. These companies own assets, typically trucks, warehouses or a
combination of both. They are not, however, limited to using those assets, and will
contract with other vendors on an as-needed basis.
Administration-based vendors. Firms which mainly provide administrative management
services such as freight payment.
Minahan (1995), stated that, it should be noted that no one category of the logistics vendors is
inherently superior to another. Buyers should have knowledge about the various providers and
make a selection based on their own goals and needs. It has been advocated that instead of
focusing on the service providers’ assets, firms should consider their skills, and see how those
skills compliment what the firms have in-house (Sink et al., 1997).
2.4 Advantages of Outsourcing Logistics Activities
According to Lieb et al. (2004), across many industries, outsourcing logistics activities has
become a rapidly expanding source of competitive advantage and logistics cost saving. He
reported that some firms routinely have achieved 30 – 40 % reduction in logistics costs and
10
have been able to greatly streamlined global logistics processes as a consequence of outsourcing.
Logistics significantly contributes to company’s competitive advantage. The most obvious
reason behind outsourcing logistics activities is to provide very effective means of reducing costs
by contracting with a third-party who can provide better services and high quality at a lower
cost. By reducing costs through outsourcing, you gain the ability to improve operating efficiency,
increase return on assets, and improve profitability. Outsourcing is also an effective means of
generating new revenues. A firm which outsource can contract with a third-party to provide
products and services which it cannot offer on a profitable basis . This form of outsourcing
enables a client firm to test market demand for a services or product if it is less risky , more
cost-effectively way than creating the service internally with scarce resources (Panayides et
al., 2005).
Outsourcing can also occurred in the form of collaboration or alliance with two or more like
parties in the same business line to offer complementary products or services. These hybrid
situations enable the two organizations supporting the same market to share resources and
increase revenue through synergistic relationship. It is also discovered that outsourcing
companies would gain more from a well managed relationship with their third-party providers
than what they could have gained from pure price competition. Such relationship also brought
benefits to outsourcing companies customers (Knemeyer et al., 2003; Panayides et al., 2005).
2.5 Disadvantages of Outsourcing Logistics Activities
There are a number of risks in outsourcing, which may create perceived disadvantages. However,
these disadvantages are mostly of a psychological nature and if managed effectively, do not lead
to financial losses. For example, parting with a their-party introduces a host of new outlooks,
11
personalities, and demands that can produce new problems. These challenges include a more
complicated level of communication and insecurity in the workforce.
The goal of any organization outsourcing its logistics activity is entirely different from that of the
service provider. Due to these differences, the factors that determine the commercial merit of the
partnership are being considerably different. Considerations of these factors are essential to
ensure the viability of the collaborative venture and the future success of the partnership. Any
firm that outsourced its logistics activities to a third-party logistics serviced provider runs the
risk of becoming over dependent on the provider (Piachaud, 2002).
Monitoring outsourcing logistics activities is often a difficult and complex task. In order to
ensure that the business carried out by the third- party logistics providers meets the standards,
resources such as money , time and expertise are needed to established an effective monitoring
system. Once outsourcing logistics activates has been initiated, managing the outsourced activity
is also difficult. If the third-party logistics providers choose to change the way they provides the
outsourced activities, the firm must also learn to adjust to the new system. If the third-party
logistics provider changes its personnel or organization, the firm has to invest in establishing
new partnership and understand how things are operated in the new environment (Earl, 1996).
2.6 Criteria for selecting 3PL provider
The 3PL selection is a multi-criteria problem and hence a complex process because it involves
various criteria such as price, quality, delivery, competencies, operational flexibility, investment
etc. Some criteria are developed with specific client needs while others are common for all
circumstances. A study conducted by McGinnis et al. (1995) and Menon et al. (1998), depicts
12
that both the firm’s competitiveness strategy and external environmental affect the selection
criteria. They also show that there are eight important criteria which are: on time shipment and
deliveries, superior error rates, financial stability, creative management, ability to deliver as
promised, availability of top management, responsiveness to unforeseen occurrences and
performance quality requirements before price.
In 2003, the International Warehouse Logistics Association (http://www.iwla.com) that
comprises more than 550 logistics companies of North America conducted an exploratory
study with several 3PL customers. Their study showed a major change in the selection
criteria’s rankings. The top determinants in selecting of a 3PL were service quality,
reliability and on-time performance. In 2003, the price became the most important selection
criterion while it was ranked eleventh in 1994. This change is mainly due to the increase of
quality and the number of services offered by the 3PL. Although the cost of these services
continued to decrease, the price remained the crucial part of the negotiation with the 3PL.
Another study by Aghazadeh (2003), presents four relevant criteria for selecting an effective
3PL, which are: similar value, information technology systems, key management, and
relationship. The various studies mentioned above clearly show that 3PL selection is multi-
criteria. According to Murphy et al. (1997), these criteria may be influenced by several attributes
such as: firm size, degree of 3PL usage, period of time 3PL have been used, and degree of
current satisfaction with 3PL services.
2.7 Criteria for Outsourcing Logistics Activities
Every company needs to position itself in the supply chain by deciding how many logistics
activities it should perform and which one to outsource. This decision depend basically on the
13
firm ability to determined which part of their production is their core activity and which is non-
core as shown in Fig.2.1. Distinguishing between core activities and non-core activities is a
complex task. Hence care must be taken to ensure the long-term strategic considerations and true
benefits are assessed. On the other hand, it is constrained by limited choices in resources and
competences (Vallespir et al., 2001).
Criteria proposed by Mclvor (2000), found poor decision making led to insignificant benefits of
outsourcing and failed outsourcing projects. He provided four stage of comprehensive
framework approach.
The first stage is to recognize “core” activities that generate high customer value and
competitive advantage. Cross-functional team, containing top management and lower
level personal required. Non-core activities should be outsourced, but non-core activities
with political concern, such as union’s objection should be kept in–house.
The second stage is to evaluate the company’s competencies in performing the core
activities in relation to available external resource. Benchmarking internal and external
suppliers and competitor’s capability and cost was suggested.
The third stage is to perform total cost analysis using activity-based costing approach to
compare internal and external supplier’s costs of the core activities. He recommends that
the company should keep the core activities in-house if the company has cost advantage
and if the core activities represent critical competitive advantage.
14
The last stage is for the outsourcing company to consider several aspects related to
external relationship such as control and organizing in favor of its own competitive
advantage and to avoid potential threat and competition of the 3PL companies.
Figure 2.1 What are core and non-core activities? , Quinn (1999).
Bolumole et al., (2007), developed a theoretical framework based on multiple social science
perspective to examine and evaluate logistics outsoaring decisions .The framework indicates
logistics outsourcing decision criteria as transaction costs, resources and control issues.
According to Donald (1998), the strategic approach for evaluating the decision to outsource
logistics activities involves a number of factors. These factors should be evaluated in logical
Core
Essential, Non-core
Non-core
Best in the world
Capability
Consider Outsourcing
Demand by customers
or to defend the core
15
sequences as follows: customer view function, capabilities and physical assets required to
perform the function, technological requirement, world class abilities and performance and
delivery capabilities versus competitive alternatives.
2.8 Managing Outsourcing Logistics Activities
According to Donald (1998), outsourcing is not only about decision making, it also demands
control mechanisms which include; service acquisition, service provider selection and service
provider management. The key managerial activities identified from managerial frameworks
were group into two phases as pre-outsourcing and post-outsourcing.
Pre-outsourcing involves:
Identification of needs to outsource
Decision criteria assessment
Development and assessment feasible alternatives
Evaluation and selection supplier
Contract negotiation
Post-outsourcing involves:
Project execution and transfer
Ongoing service assessment
Managing relationship
Contract Termination
The extents to which a firm can manage a 3PL provider effectively depend greatly on the
information received and the early detection of problem. Since the information received by the
16
logistics manager of the outsourcing company would be less comprehensive than if the outsource
activity is performed in-house, it is advice that the logistic manager ensure effective
communication with the 3PL organization. In order to properly manage and evaluate a 3PL
logistic provider, the outsourcing organization should develop clear guidelines for appraising
their 3PL provider (Cavalla, 1996).
2.9 Managing Service Provider (3PL) Relationship
Berggren et al. (2004), stressed that the relationships with external partners just do not happen; it
has to be facilitated and organized. The strategies that outsourcing companies adopted to manage
their supplier relationship were synthesized into two kinds;
Service provider development
Service provider involvement
It is a strategic alliance, where both parties have needs that the other can fulfill, and both firms
share values, goals and corporate strategies for mutual benefits. In addition, the benefit of
synergy strong communication and commitment and high level of interdependence have also
been emphasized as integral to the strategic alliance (Bowersox, 1990).
Gentry (1993), argue that although every partnership is unique, increased partnering efforts
typically share the same common goals of attaining superior performance. In a strategic alliance,
there is a commitment between the outsourcing company and 3PL provider to jointly improve
quality and productivity to reduce overall costs. Both firms in the strategic partnerships use joint
problem-solving efforts to develop mutual responses to changes in the marketplace.
17
Partnership between firms demands high level of understanding of their own business as well as
the business of their counterparts. Outsourcing firms are able to achieve superior customer
service by working closely with their partners to improve the logistics process. Together, they
could offer faster deliveries and more accurate information. It is through such long-term
relationships that outsourcing logistics activities draws its strength as a powerful and effective
source of strategic advantage (Richardson, 1993c).
18
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The case study methodology would be used to examine the management of outsourcing logistics
activities – A case study of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited. This allows a detailed and
in-depth examination that is not possible in a wide cross sectional study.
3.2 Limitation of the study
Certain limitations were encountered in course of the work. Notable among them were:
difficulties in assessing information, apathy on the part of some respondents which were not
encouraging, respondents who felt reluctant to respond to the questions which were prepared for
the survey.
3.3 The background of the case study organization and its relevant Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) is a Ghanaian brewery based at the Kaasai
Industrial Area in Kumasi. It was established in 2004. When production started, the company
produced only Foreign Extra Stout (FES), popularly known as Guinness. The primary depot was
at the same position with stores across the country particularly in the south (Wikipedia, 2010).
Over its 250 years history, the Guinness brand has become a global success story through its
iconic advertising and long standing role in local communities, which have necessitated world
class service delivery in every facet of the organization, due to the high demand of the product
by its customers. To sustain and increase their market share 3PL companies were called upon to
provide quality services in the areas that the company is not well equipped with first class
equipments and personnel (Ghana Resource Center, 2001).
19
Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited was the perfect choice for this study because of their
exceptional ability to move from vertical integrated firm and embraced the new idea of
outsourcing logistics activities which they cannot perform in-house. Because of the transition
from the vertical integrated technique to the outsourcing strategy, the firm was able to see clearly
the difference between outsourcing strategy and the vertical integrated technique, hence it is one
of the best firm for this case study for scientific confirmation of the benefit of outsourcing
logistics activities which cannot be performed in-house with world class results.
3.4 Data Collection
Primary and secondary data were collected and used for the study.
3.4.1 Primary Data
Primary data were obtained using questionnaires, personal observations and interviews with the
management of the four departments of GGBL and its logistics service providers. The four
departments of GGBL are: the production, sale, logistics and administration department. The
logistics department is made up of four personnel whose main task is to contract the best
logistics service provider for each service of the company which need to be outsourced in
conjunction with the management of the department which have the need of outsourcing a
particular service which cannot be provided in-house. Structural interviews were conducted and
used to obtained information about how GGBL outsourced its logistic activities to its logistics
service providers. The interviews were specific questions, but there was room for open
discussions so that the interviewees could share complementary information on the various
20
quality management issues under discussion. See appendix A for the close and opened
questionnaires that were used for primary data collection.
3.4.2 Secondary Data
Secondary data was obtained from relevant published reports written on outsourcing logistics
activities operations and related materials. They included information from libraries, News
papers (dailies), internet and other institutions of interest. This provided relevant background
information for the actual research survey.
3.5 Study Population
The case study organization (Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited) has its headquarters based at
the Kaasai Industrial Area in Kumasi. It has its depot in all the ten capital towns of the country
and some major industrial towns as well. The Brewery in Kumasi has a total staff population of
about two hundred (200) and every depot has an average permanent staff rages from 4 to 6. The
study population comprises of the managers, assistant managers of production, sale,
administration departments and the four personnel in the logistic departments which make total
of ten personnel of GGBL at Kumasi the headquarters. Twenty four management officials and
twelve drivers of the logistics service providers in Kumasi metropolis of Ashanti Region were
also included. The drivers were also included because every department of an organization needs
to be consulted including the floor members before making a decision for effective
implementation without any opposition. Most importantly, in this case, the drivers were needed
to air their views about the rationales that control the transport system for total quality delivery
of service, which necessitated the involvement of the chief driver and the assistant of each of the
21
3PL company responding to the questionnaires. A total of forty-six questionnaires were
administered.
None of the forty-six questionnaires that were administered was dropped after they have being
checked for correction and completeness. This was because the questionnaires were delivered by
hand, and it was explained to all the interviewees individually before it was completed. Before
leaving any interviewee, the questionnaires were checked for correction and completeness which
make every questionnaire viable for the analysis.
3.6 Sampling Technique
The managers and assistants of production, sale and administration departments were
interviewed, while all the four personnel in the logistics section were interviewed separately. The
interview took the form of closed and open-ended questionnaires.
Six major logistics service providers of GGBL were selected for the studies. The six 3PL
companies were selected base on the critics that, they have outsourced for GGBL for more than
four years. The six have average permanent staff of twenty which comprises of four management
officials and sixteen drivers. The four key managers of the six logistics companies were
interviewed in the form of closed and open-ended questionnaires. The chief driver and assistant
for each of the logistics service providers were interviewed using closed and open-ended
questionnaires while another set of six drivers for each of the 3PL providers were interviewed
orally using random sampling techniques.
22
3.7 Sampling Method
Surveys are one of the most frequently used methods of data gathering in social research. The
survey protocol of random sampling procedures allows a relatively small number of people
(sample) to represent a much larger population. A sample is a group of units selected from a
larger group (the population). By studying the sample, one hopes to draw valid conclusions about
the larger group. A sample is generally selected for study because the population is too large to
study its entirety. The sample should be representative of the general population. This is often
best achieved by random sampling (Sharon et al.; 1999).
After the data (sample) is collected, the researcher analyzes it and uses it to make generalizations
about the population. Once the population, variables are measured, and methods have been
defined, the scientist decides how to accurately sample the data to be representative of a larger
group. In other words, statistical sampling does not involve measuring the desired variable in
every individual of the population being studied; a selection of individuals is used to generalize
results (Bartlett et al.; 2001).
The reason behind representativeness being the primary concern in statistical sampling is that it
allows the researcher to draw conclusion for the entire population. If the sample is not
representative of the population, conclusion(s) cannot be drawn since the results that the
researcher obtained from the sample will be different from the results if the entire population is
to be tested.
Nevertheless, surveys still remained one of the most effective means of gaining data on attitudes,
issues and casual relationships. However, they can only show the strength of statistical
association between variables. They do not explain changes in attitudes and views overtime.
23
There were also base on the fact that the questions were correctly interpreted by the respondents
(Castillo et al.; 2009).
This notwithstanding, questionnaires survey, was appropriate for achieving the objectives of the
study. The Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, headquarters in Kumasi and its logistics service
providers were selected for the study.
3.8 Data Analysis
Data collected from the interviews were recorded by the use of recorders, the questionnaires
were checked for corrections, completeness and both stored for analysis and interpretation. Table
3.1 below, shows the tabulated format of relevant responses from the respondents. The
questionnaires were structured and standardized to reduce biasness of analyzing and
interpretation of the data, to ensure reliability, generality, reproducibility and validity of the
results. The data collected from the field were analyzed using Microsoft Excel to plot bar charts
and pictorial diagrams. The kind of charts chosen makes it very easy to compare the various
parameters which influence outsourcing decision process. It can be seen from a glance what
parameter is the highest and which one is the lowest for easy analysis and interpretation. For the
bar charts the categories are shown along the horizontal axis and the frequencies are indicated on
the vertical axis for easy comparison of the parameters. The pie charts also gave a perfect
presentation of what parameters have the highest percentage and which one is the least. The data
analyses have fulfilled its goal of highlighting useful information, suggestion and drawing
relevant conclusions and supporting decision making process. The analyses focus on factual
information from the closed and open-ended questionnaires that were administered to ensure a
24
scientific interpretation without any biasness. The various findings were extensively discussed in
the next chapter.
Table 3.1 Responses from the respondents
Questions
Respondents GGBL Key personnel
3PL companies Key Managers
Drivers of the 3PL companies
What is your role in the organization?
Managerial position Managerial position Driver
How long have you been working in the organization?
Averagely it was more than four years
Averagely it was more than four years
Averagely it was more than four years
Which of the following outsourcing logistic activities did GGBL outsourced to a 3PL company? / Which of the following outsourcing logistic activities does your organization provide for GGBL?
Customer service, Transportation system, Logistics information, Shipments planning, Warehousing and storage operation, Sale, Bottle production, Sorghum Farming
Customer service, Transportation system, Logistics information, Shipments planning, Warehousing and storage operation, Sale, Bottle production, Sorghum Farming
Customer service, Transportation system, Logistics information, Shipments planning, Warehousing and storage operation, Sale, Bottle production, Sorghum Farming
For how long has GGBL been outsourcing its logistic activities to the 3PL? / How long have you been outsourcing for GBBL?
Averagely it was more than four years
Averagely it was more than four years
Averagely it was more than four years
What are the rationales behind the outsourcing of logistics activities by GGBL to 3PL? / As a third party Logistics Company, what are the rationales behind providing outsourcing logistics activities for your clients?
Delivery time, Receiving /unloading and dispatch/loading, responsiveness and flexibility, cost, overall quality
Business focus, Efficient utilization of assets, Investment, Operational flexibility, Cost and revenue
Business focus, Efficient utilization of assets, Investment, Operational flexibility, Cost and revenue
Does the rationale Yes Yes Yes
25
behind providing logistics activities help your organization in terms of profitability growth? What has been the profitability growth of your organization?
Increasing consistently
Increasing consistently
Increasing consistently
Is management actively engaged in improving the logistics service provided by its 3PL providers? / Is management actively engaged in improving the logistics service provided to its clients?
Yes Yes Yes
What aspect of logistics outsourcing activity (ies) needs to be improved?
Transport system
How can this be achieved?
Employing drivers who are mechanics as well and assigning at least two personnel for long distance journey
Does your organization encounters difficulties in dealing with your clients?
No Yes Yes
If yes, what difficulties does your organization encounter?
Delay payment Delay payment
What measures have you taken to
GGBL should pay half of the amount
GGBL should pay half of the amount
26
overcome these difficulties?
before work should start
before work should start
How often are you called upon by the 3PL provider officials for the purpose of outsourcing logistics activities?
Regular, Very regular
How do you rate the quality of service rendered by the 3PL?
Very good, Good, Excellent
Is the strategy adopted by the 3PL provider in managing logistics activities benefit GGBL?
Yes
How does GGBL measures performance rendered by its 3PL provider? It is related to?
Receiving /unloading and dispatch/loading, Delivery time, Responsiveness and flexibility
Do you realize any significant changes in the activities outsourced?
Yes
If yes, how does it impact on GGBL?
It have improved continuous flow of production
How does the 3PL provider handle your complains in terms of outsourcing logistics activities they rendered to GGBL?
Very good, Good , Excellent
Does the 3PL provider do something different from its competitors?
Yes
27
CHARTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 Introduction
The chapter presents the analysis, results and discussions on how Guinness Ghana Breweries
Limited headquarters in Kumasi outsourced its logistics activities and how its current six main
third-party logistics providers in Kumasi, execute the outsourced activities. In all, two sets of
questionnaires were analyzed; one set for Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and the other for
its logistic service providers. Interviews, documents and observations were conducted and
recorded in the two settings.
4.2 Results and Discussions of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited
Guinness Ghana Brewery Limited has four main departments with its managements. A total of
ten questionnaires were administered and wholly attended to by the managers and assistant
managers of production, sale and administration departments including the four personnel in the
logistics departments. The ten key personnel had in-depth knowledge about all the outsourcing
activities performed by GGBL and more in their respective departments based on their job role
and years of service at GGBL. The analysis was based on the response from the ten key
personnel involved in making outsourcing logistics decision for the organization.
28
4.2.1 Number of years working with GGBL
The number of years a person render a service to an organization gave him or her a lot of
experience in rendering that particular service more perfectively, since experience is the best
teacher. Sometimes clients want to see familiar faces of managerial staff that they can liaise well
with and on the other hand, staff may confirm their loyalty and responsiveness to service
delivery. It was therefore very important to ascertained the number of years the ten key personnel
concerned with outsourcing logistics have been with GGBL which is tabulated in Table 4.1
Table 4.1 Number of years the ten key personnel have work with GGBL
Number of years Frequency Percentage
1 year 0 0
2 years 1 10
3 years 1 10
4 years and above 8 80
Total 10 100
Source: Authors Field Survey, 2010
Tables 4.1 above indicate the number of year’s management has worked with its outsourcing
organizations. The period of cooperation between management and its 3PL providers create an
atmosphere of good rapport between the two parties. From table 4.1 eight personnel representing
80% of key personnel have engaged in outsourcing activities more than four years.
29
It became evident from the survey that GGBL outsourced most of its logistics activities, which is
presented in table 4.2 below. Theses activities were outsourced because they cannot be
performed in-house with first class quality. According to the ten key personnel at GGBL, the
mutually agreed contract, have effectively reduce operational costs, increase operation
efficiency, improve customer satisfaction and performance, it has also create economical
advantages of eliminating investment of fixed infrastructure, allowing for greater quality and
efficiency of service, and more significantly, consistent increase in revenue.
Table 4.2 Logistics activities outsourced by GGBL
Outsource Item Number of 3PL company Percentage
Customer service 2 7.1
Transportation system 5 17.9
Logistics information 1 3.6
Shipments planning 3 10.7
Warehousing and storage
operation
4 14.3
Sale 2 7.1
Bottle production 1 3.6
Sorghum Farming 3 10.7
Total 28 100
Source: Authors Field Survey, 2010
30
Tables 4.2 above indicate the logistics activities outsourced by GGBL. It was found out that
some of the 3PL providers render more than one service to GGBL. The rationale behind the
outsourcing activities was to provide very effective means of reducing costs while enjoying a
better first class quality service. It also came to light that the GGBL have been outsourcing its
logistics activities for more than four years but keep on changing its 3PL providers’ base on
which one is using the most suitable current technology and cost effective, hence the business
relationship between them and some of their clients are less than four years.
The company admitted that outsourcing have actually help them cut done cost and increase
revenue consistently over the past four years. Other factors which contribute to the consistent
growth in the profit margin are due to the marvelous role played by the four key personnel in the
logistics unit of the company. They are actively engaged in improving logistics outsourcing of
the company. This is done by ensuring accurate cost data to determine the financial impact of
outsourcing each activity and forecasting new models of change to ensure constant growth of the
company.
4.2.2 Type of logistics service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL companies
Table 4.2 above and Fig.4.1 below indicate the type of logistics service rendered to GGBL by its
3PL companies. These 3PL companies are first class companies which are expected to deliver
classic results effectively and efficiently. Majority of the logistics service rendered represents
17.9% for transportation system. 14.3% is concerned with the warehousing and storage
operations. 10.7% are different group of farmers in the northern part of the country who produce
sorghum for production of Malta Guinness. Shipping of the products to other countries such as
31
Togo, Ivory Coast among others takes 10.7% of the outsourcing activities. Logistics information
and bottle production were the least with percentage value of 3.6.
According to GGBL they adopt the outsourcing strategy mainly to boost their Customer
Satisfaction by meeting their expectation. Customer satisfaction is a major prediction of
repurchase, but is strongly influenced by explicit performance evolution of perceived quality and
value, which can be achieved with first class delivery of service, which is best done by the 3PL
providers.
Fig.4.1: The type of logistics service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL providers in percentage
4.2.3 Type of relationship between GGBL and its 3PL companies
It was clear that GGBL had a very good cordial relationship with its logistics service providers,
once they deliver effectively and efficiently a first class service to meet the goal of the company.
This could be mainly attributed to the quality of service rendered and professional way of
7,10%
17,90%
3,60%10,70%
14,30%
7,10%
3,60%10,70%
Customer service
Transportation system
Logistics information
Shipments planning
Warehousing andstorage operation
Sale
32
handling complaints by the logistics service providers. The pictorial chart in Fig.4.2 below
explains how the logistics officials handle complains of GGBL, (See appendix B Table 3 for
details). The data indicate that GGBL have greatly gained from the well-managed relationship
with their 3PL provider than what they could gain from pure price competition. This cordial
business relationship has also brought great benefit to the end user.
Fig.4.2 Handling of complains by 3PL providers of GGBL
Since all human institution is characterized with margin of error, most institution establishes
complaints desk where problems confronting clients are reported for immediate attention. Once
the differences are iron out, it gives the right atmosphere for effective business relationship to
continue. The 3PL companies actually cooperate effectively with their clients to ensure a good
friendship environment for effective business relationship which lead to increase performance
output of the organization.
Four of the key personnel of GGBL have agreed that handling of complains is good which
account for 40% as in Fig.4.2, they expect the 3PL company to enhance and accelerate the pace
10
50
40
0
Excellent Very good Good Fair
33
at which they attend to complaints. About 50% which are five of the key personnel also believe
that how the 3PL companies handle complains is very good and 10% which is one of the ten key
personnel think everything is perfect. This could be due to the continuous improvements of
service provider’s skill and commitments to first class logistics service providing.
The analysis revealed that GGBL and 3PL providers are distinct from their competitors which
have made them have competitive advantage. This include global presence, fast and efficient
services, continuous culture of improving upon delivery time, and the use of modern technology.
4.2.4 Rating the quality of service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL providers
The continuity of every company and institution to a larger extent depends on the kind of
relationship existing between the two parties and the remarks which are often expressed by its
clients. The performance measurement procedures, by GGBL of its 3PL providers consist of
predetermined parameters which were effectively monitored for a transparent trustworthy
appraisal of each of the 3PL company. Fig 4.3 below stressed the parameters that were used to
measure the performance of the 3PL company. According to GGBL the parameters were very
meaningful and have provided them a guided within acceptable and desirable parameters for
effective monitoring to enable them achieve their organizational goal. Therefore, once the
decision to outsource logistics activities is made, the performance should be measured in an
effective way to ensure that the goals of outsourcing are achieved.
It also became imperative to assess the performance of a company from the view of its clients.
Form Fig.4.3 below, two of the respondent representing 20% rated the quality of service
rendered to GGBL as excellent whiles 50 percent of the respondents think their 3PL providers
34
are performing very good. The remaining 30% believe that the performance of the logistics
providers is good. Nobody thinks the service providers are performing poorly.
Fig.4.3 Rating of Quality of service rendered to GGBL
In assessing the competence of the 3PL company by way of rating the quality of service
rendered, it was prudent to know the criterion used rating the quality of service rendered by the
3PL company. Tables 4.3 below indicate the distribution:
Table 4.3 Measurement of logistics service rendered to GGBL
Indicators Frequency Percentage
Delivery time 6 60
Cost 0 0
Responsiveness and flexibility 1 10
Overall quality 0 0
20
50
30
00
10
20
30
40
50
60
Excellent Very good Good Poor
35
Picking accuracy 0 0
Inventory management 0 0
Receiving/unloading and
dispatch/loading
3 30
Total 10 100
Source: Authors Field Survey, 2010
From table 4.3 above, 6 of the personnel which represent 60% pay greater attention to delivery
time as the most crucial determinant of performance measurement. Receiving /unloading and
dispatch/loading is considered the second representing 30% , and responsiveness and flexibility
as the third option of measuring performance efficiency of service provided by the 3PL
company. Nevertheless all the ten key personnel agree that factors like cost and overall quality
are very important when considering outsourcing.
The studies indicated that GGBL really benefit from outsourcing logistics activities due to the
timely delivery, receiving/unloading and dispatch/loading and responsiveness and flexibility on
the part of the 3PL providers.
4.3 Results and Discussions of 3PL providers of GGBL
The questionnaires that were administered were 36 in all, 24 for the key officials and 12 for the
drivers of the logistics service providers. All the 36 questionnaires were well attended to. The
analysis was done based on the responses of the 36 respondents.
36
4.3.1 Outsourcing of logistics activities for GGBL
Customers as a result of lack of expertise or proper infrastructure would outsource some of their
logistics activities. The 3PL companies of GGBL have design a suitable logistics performance
tactics, for efficient delivery. The approach used by the 3PL providers has enabled them to
prevent performance risks, improve customer service and successful business relationship
development. The strategy is tallied towards the characteristics of product produce by GGBL, to
ensure the achieving of GGBL organizational goal.
Tables 4.2 above indicate the kind of logistics service rendered to GGBL by its 3PL providers.
These services were highly cumbersome and bureaucratic when GGBL tried to do them in-
house, hence they engage logistics service providers to carry out these tasks for them. The results
obtained after the survey indicated that the outsourcing companies have consistent increase in
profit margin for the past four years.
Nevertheless, all the 3PL companies seem to face a similar difficulties dealing with GGBL. The
bureaucratic nature of the organization paying system has made it difficult for clients to be pay
on time. The 3PL companies are seriously talking with management to change the procedure of
paying them so that there will be no delay payment again.
Another difficulty identified by the drivers is the problem of transportation of goods internally.
Most of them are of the view that it would be better if one driver and one mechanic are assigned
for long distance, so that incase the trucks break down on the way it can be repaired
immediately to enable on time delivery. According to them some time the journey is more than a
day and it is not good for only one driver to drive continuously which resulted in accident some
time, since the driver would be tired.
37
4.3.2 The rationale behind the 3PL companies service providing
As the rationale behind a logistics service provider and its clients are always different, mainly
because of the money factor involved, Fig.4.4 below presents the reason why these logistics
service providers render service to GGBL.
Fig. 4.4 Rational behind the providing of logistics service by 3PL providers to GGBL
These rationales according to the 3PL providers have enable them to consistently increase their
profitability growth. Business focus, which recorded 41.7%, as the highest value was the main
reason for the 3PL provider’s willingness to outsource for GGBL, followed by investments and
cost and revenue being the least. This has actually agreed with the current trend of rational
behind outsourcing of logistics activities (http://www.iwla.com).
From the survey it was realized that all the 3PL providers are always looking for ways to
strengthen their competitive advantage by improving staff training , being continuously exposed
to new technologies and best practice in the industry, reducing and rejecting any unjustifiable
41,70%
2,80%
13,90%16,70%
25%
0,00%5,00%
10,00%15,00%20,00%25,00%30,00%35,00%40,00%45,00%
Business focus Cost andrevenue
Operationalflexibility
Investment Efficientutilization of
assets
38
cost, and transforming their respective company’s superiority into competitive pricing through
economic of scale. Other strategies noted during the survey which could be used to achieve
similar results are: educating their customers on a continuous basis and making the organization
process easy for their customers and efficient for use.
39
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Introduction
This chapter summaries the information obtained from the studies and drawing relevant
conclusions in light of the findings. Appropriate recommendations were also given.
5.2 Summary
In summary, it is worth mentioning that a 3PL provider which is a contractual service has
become relatively stable in the developed countries like United States. However, it is a rapidly
growing and emerging in developing countries like Ghana. Outsourcing therefore has
increasingly becomes an important strategy that can significantly assist organizations to leverage
their skills and resources to achieve greater competitiveness. Successful logistics outsourcing can
provide significant benefits to firms. However, there are challenges like risk of becoming over
dependent on service providers and firm losing control of part of its logistics activities and
eliminating investments benefits like fixed infrastructure.
5.3 Conclusions
5.3.1 Benefits of Outsourcing
Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and their logistics service providers have enjoy a lot of
benefits. GGBL have enjoyed benefits like: effective and efficient means of reducing costs,
better services, first class quality, timely delivery, increase in revenue etc. The logistics service
providers also enjoyed benefits like: consistent profit growth rate, transformation of superiority
40
into competitive pricing through economics of scale, improvements of staff skills through
efficient training and continuous exposure to new technologies and best practices in the industry.
5.3.2 Challenges associated with providing logistics service
The logistics service providers have difficulty of been paid on time due to the bureaucratic nature
of the paying system of GGBL. The drivers of the logistics providers also have the difficulty of
travelling alone without mechanics, hence incase of the truck break down it delays delivery.
GGBL can also become over dependent on its 3PL providers and lost control of part of its
logistic activities.
5.3.3 The rationales behind outsourcing logistics activities and providing logistics service
It came to light that the rationales behind outsourcing logistics activities by GGBL are: delivery
time, Receiving /unloading and dispatch/loading and responsiveness and flexibility, they have
also agreed that factors like cost and overall quality are also very important when considering
outsourcing. They have also release that trying to perform the logistics activities in-house would
have caused them a lot, because it would require infrastructure and employment of first class
expertise.
The logistics service providers have different reasons for providing the logistics service which
are: business focus, efficient utilization of assets, investment, operational flexibility, cost and
revenue.
41
5.4 Recommendations
Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited can pay it logistics service providers half of the
money due them at the start of work and the remaining after completion of the task.
The logistics service providers should consider employing mechanics who can drive as
well.
The 3PL providers should also stop assigning only one driver for long distance journey,
at least two so that if one is tired the other person can also continue with the driving, to
ensure on time delivery.
42
REFERENCES Aghazadeh, S.M. (2003), “How to choose an effective third party logistics provider” Management Research News, Vol. 26, No. 7, pp. 50-58.
Aïcha, A. (2008), “A preliminary analysis on third-party logistics selection”, Université de Metz Paul Verlaine, France, available at: http://www.airl-logistique.org [Accessed: 2010, March 17] Babu, M. (2005), “All outsourcing is offshoring”, available at: http://www.computerworld.com [ accessed: 2010, March 17] Bhatnagar, R., Sohal, A.S. and Millen, R. (1999), “Third party logistics services: a Singapore perspective”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol.29 No.9, pp.569-587. Bolumole, Y.A. , Frankel, R. and Naslund, D. (2007),”Developing a Theoretical framework for Logistics Outsourcing “, Transportation Journal, Vol.46, No.2, pp.35. Bowersox, D.J. (1990), “The strategic benefits of logistics alliances”, Harvard Business Review, July-August, pp. 36-45.
Bradley, P. (1994), “Contract logistics: it’s all about costs”, Purchasing, 20 October, pp. 56A3-A14.
Castillo, Joan J. (2009). “Statistical Sampling Techniques”, available at: http://www.experiment-resources.com/statistical-sampling-techniques.html [accessed: 2010, July 8] Cavalla, D. (1996). “Modern strategy for pre-clinical pharmaceutical R&D: Towards the virtual research company”, available at: http://www.uctc.net/papers/641.pdf [accessed: 2010, March 17] Council of Logistics Management’s (CLM), (2003) Annual Report, Illinois US, Sep.2003. Earl, M.J. (1996), “The Risk of Outsourcing IT”, Sloan Management Review, Spring 1996, 37(3), pp.26-32.
43
Fawcett, S.E., Birow, L., Taylor, B.C. (1993), “Supporting global operation through logistics and purchasing”, International journal of physical distribution & logistics management, Vol.23, No.4, pp.3-11 Gentry, J.J. (1993), “Strategic alliances in purchasing: transportation is the vital link”, International Journal of Purchasing and Materials Management, Summer, pp. 11-17. Ghana Resource Center (2001),”Guinness Ghana aims high As it celebrates 250 years of distinctive brewery”, available at: http://www.modernghana.com/news/208852/1/guinness-ghana-aims-highas-it-celebrates-250-years.html [accessed: 2010, February 13] Gooley, T.B. (2002), “Two Sides of the same 3PL Coin”, Logistics Management & Distribution Report, 41 (2), pp.45-49. Goldsmith, M. (1989), "Outsourcing plays a role in corporate strategies", Transportation & Distribution, pp.18-22.
Heinritz, S., Farrell, P.V., Giunipero, L. and Kolchin, M. (1991), “Purchasing: Principles and Applications”, 8th ed., Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, pp. 174. Hill, S. (1994), "Logistics takes new road", Manufacturing Systems, pp.28-32.
Knemeyer, A.M., Corsi, T.M. and Murphy, P.R. (2003), “Logistics Outsourcing Relationships: Customer Perspectives”, Journal of Bussiness Logistics, Vol.24, no. 1, pp.77-109. Laudon K.C. and J.P. Laudon (2002), “Managing Information System –Managing the Digital Firm”, Prentice Hall, pp.53. Lieb, R.C. (1992), “The use of third-party logistics services by large American manufacturers”,
Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 29-42.
Lieb, R.C., Randall, H.L. (1996), "A comparison of the use of third-party logistics service by large American manufacturers, Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 17 No.1, pp.305-320.
44
Lieb, R.C., Bentz, B.A. (2004), “The use of third-party logistics services by large American manufacturing: the 2003 survey”, Transportation Journal, Vol. 43 No.3, pp24-33. Menon M., McGinnis M., Ackerman K. (1998), “Selection criteria for providers of third-party logistics services: an exploratory study”, Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 19, No. 1, pp. 121-137.
McKinnon, Alan C. (1999), “The outsourcing of Logistics Activities “, working paper Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh). McIvor, R. (2000) , “A practical framework for understanding the outsourcing process”, Supply Chain Management , Vol.5,no.1,pp.22 Minahan, T. (1995), "Transportation: can’t get a handle on freight costs? Give up trying!", Purchasing, pp.35-36. Morgan, C. (2004), “Structure, speed and salience: performance measurement in the supply chain”, Business process Management Journal, Vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 522. Murphy P., Daley J. (1997), “Investigating selection criteria for international freight Forwarders”, Transportation Journal, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 29-36.
Muller, E.J. (1993a), "The top guns of third-party logistics", Distribution, pp.30-38.
Muller, E.J. (1993b), "More top guns of third-party logistics", Distribution, pp.44-45.
Person, G. and H. Virum (2001) “Growth Strategies for Logistics Services Providers: an Examination of the CRO Experience”, Technovation, 22(2), pp.81-90 Piachaud B.S. (2002), “Outsourcing in the pharmaceutical Manufacturing Process: an Examination of the CRO Experience”, Technoviation, 22(2), pp.81-90. Quinn, J.B. (1999). “Strategic outsourcing: leveraging knowledge capabilities”, Sloan Management Review, Vol. 40 No. 4, pp. 9-22.
Quinn J.B and Hilmer, F.G (1994), “Strategic outsourcing “, Sloan Management Review, Vol.35, No. 4, pp.43-55.
45
Rabinovich, E., Windle, R., Dresner , M. and Corsi, T.(1999), “Outsourcing of integrated logistics functions. An examination of industry practices”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 29, No.6, PP.353. Richardson, H.L. (1992), "Outsourcing: the power work source", Transportation & Distribution, July, pp.22-4.
Richardson, H.L. (1993), “Push the service level higher”, Transportation & Distribution, July, pp. 41-43. Scott, C. and Westbrook, R. (1991).“New strategic tools for supply chain management”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 23-33.
Sink, H.L., Langley, C.J. Jr (1997), "A managerial framework for the acquisition of third-party logistics services", Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 18 No.2, pp.163-189.
Sink, H.L., Langley Jr, C.J., and Gibson, B.J. (1996), “Buyer observation of the US third- party logistics market”, International Journal of Physical Distribution &Logistics Management, Vol.26, no. 3, pp.38. Sohail, M.S. and Sohal, A.S. (2003). “The use of third party logistics services: a Malaysian Perspective”. Technovation, No.23, pp. 401-408.
Vallespir, B., and Kleinhans, S. (2001). “Positioning a company in enterprise collaborations: vertical integration and make-or-buy decisions”, International Journal of Production Planning & Control, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 478-487.
Vitasek. K. (2007), “supply chain and logistics terms and glossary”, available at: http://cscmp.org/Downloads/Public/Resources/glossary03.pdf [ accessed: 2008, June 13] Wikipedia (2010), “Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited “,available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_Ghana_Breweries [ accessed: 2010, February 13]
46
Wikipedia (2010), “Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited “, available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guinness_%28disambiguation%29 [accessed: February 13, 2010]
Wilding, R. and Juriado, R. (2004), “Customer perceptions on Logistics outsourcing in the European consumer goods industry”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, vol.34, no. 7/8, pp. 628.
47
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Questionnaires
PLEASE KINDLY TAKE SOME TIME OFF YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE TO RESPOND TO
THESE QUESTIONS WHICH WOULD BE USED FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSE: A THESIS
TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT BLEKINGE INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY-SWEDEN, FOR THE AWARD OF MBA DEGREE. THANK YOU
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR GUINNESS GHANA BREWERIES LIMITED (GGBL)
1. Name of the company which carry out your logistics activities (3PL)
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. What is your role in the organization?…………………………………………………….
3. How long have you been working in the organization?
4 Which of the following outsourcing logistic activities did GGBL outsourced to a 3PL company?
(Please tick)
3 year s 2 years 4 year s or over (Please tick) 1 year
48
Outsource item Yes No
Customer service
Transportation system
Logistics information system
Shipment planning
Warehousing and storage operations
Inventory Management
Sale
Clearance and Forwarding
5. Others please specify …………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6. For how long did GGBL have been outsourcing its logistic activities to the 3PL? (Please tick)
7. What are the rationales behind the outsourcing of logistics activities by GGBL to 3PL?
(Please tick).
Over 4 years 3-4 years 1-2 a years Less than a year
Operational flexibility Service Cost and revenue Business focus
Efficient utilization of assets Investment Management change
49
Others please specify………………………………………………………………………………
…………..…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. For how long did you have business relationship with the 3PL provider?
9. How often were you called upon by the 3PL provider officials for the purpose of outsourcing
logistics activities? (Please tick)
10. How do you rate the quality of service rendered by the 3PL?
11. Is the strategy adopted by the 3PL providers in managing logistics activities benefit GGBL?
12. How does GGBL measures performance rendered by its 3PL provider? Is it related to?
Others please specify………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Three years Two years One year Less than a year
Four years or more
Not at all Seldom Very regular Regular
Excellent Very good Poor Good
No Yes
Delivery time Cost Responsiveness and flexibility
Inventory management Picking accuracy Overall quality
Receiving /unloading and dispatch/loading
50
13. Do you realize any significant changes in the activities outsourced?
14. If yes, how does it impact on GGBL? …………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
15. How does the 3PL provider handle your complaint in terms of outsourcing logistics activities
they rendered to GGBL?
16. Does the 3PL providers do something different from its competitors?
17. Do you encounter any difficulties dealing with the 3PL provider?
18. If yes, what difficulties do you encounter? ………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
19. Do the difficulties occur in other 3PL providers?
20. If yes, what are the causes of these difficulties? ……………………………………………...
No Yes
Fair Good Very good Excellent
No Yes
No Yes
Yes No
51
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
21. Could you suggest some measures to overcome these difficulties?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDERS OF GUINNESS GHANA BREWERIES LIMITED (GGBL)
1. Name of your organization………………………………………………………………
2. What is your role in the organization…………………………………………………….
3. How long have you been working in the organization
4 Which of the following outsourcing logistic activities does your organization provide for GGBL? (Please tick)
4 year s or over (Please tick) 3 year s 2 years 1 year
52
Outsource item Yes No
Customer service
Transportation system
Logistics information system
Shipment planning
Warehousing and storage operations
Inventory Management
Sale
Clearance and Forwarding
5. Others please specify ………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. How long have you been outsourcing for GBBL? (Please tick)
7. As a third party Logistics Company, what were the rationales behind providing outsourcing logistics activities for your clients? (Please tick).
Over 4 years 3-4 years 1-2 a years Less than a year
Operational flexibility Service Cost and revenue Business focus
Efficient utilization of assets Investment Management change
53
Others please specify………………………………………………………………………………
…………..…………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
8. Do the rationales behind providing logistics activities help your organization in terms of profitability growth?
9. What has been the profitability growth of your organization?
10. Is management actively engaged in improving the logistics service providered to its clients?
11. What aspect of logistics outsourcing management/activity (ies) needs to be improved?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
12. How can this be achieved? …………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. Does your organization encounter difficulties in dealing with your clients?
No Yes
Decreasing consistently Increasing consistently
Decreasing inconstantly Increasing inconsistently
Yes No
No Yes
54
14. If yes, what difficulties does your organization encounter?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
15. What measures have you taken to overcome these difficulties?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
16. What makes your organization have a competitive edge?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
17. How do you strengthen this competitive advantage?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..
55
APPENDIX B
Tables and Figures
Table. 1 Rational behind the providing of logistics service by 3PL providers to GGBL
Reason Frequency Percentage
Business focus 15 41.7
Cost and revenue 1 2.8
Operational flexibility 5 13.9
Service 0 0
Investment 6 16.7
Management change 0 0
Efficient utilization of assets 9 25
Total 36 100
Source: Authors Field Survey, 2010
Table. 2 Rating of Quality of service rendered to GGBL
Indicators Frequency Percentage
Excellent 2 20
Very good 5 50
Good 3 30
Poor 0 0
Total 10 100
Source: Authors Field Survey, 2010
56
Table. 3 Handling of complaints by 3PL providers of GGBL
Indicator Frequency Percentage
Excellent 1 10
Very good 5 50
Good 4 40
Fair 0 0
Total 10 100
Source: Authors Field Survey, 2010
Fig.1 Number of years the ten key personnel have work with GGBL
0%
10%10%
80%
1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years and above
57